Pregnancy changes our body a lot, but there's some weird things that can happen in the bra department. We expect some of these things, but a few of these side effects from getting pregnant?
Well, nobody warned us about them.
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They'll ache
The girls might be a little tender, or you might be one of the unlucky ones to have "I have a migraine in my boobs" pain. Tenderness and discomfort come with increased blood flow to your breasts - they're prepping for the upcoming event.
For many women, soreness in the breasts is one of the earliest symptoms of pregnancy - one many might not recognize as such.
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They'll darken
Along with soreness, pigmentation is also often an early sign of pregnancy, and you might discover your nipples and areolas changing from their normal hue. But your breasts aren't likely the only things to change colour while you're pregnant - you might develop a dark line on your belly or patches on your face too.
Hormones are thought to be the culprit. Don't worry, they'll fade away after your hormones return to normal, too.
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They'll grow
Along with being achy, you might notice you outgrow your bra in short order, much to the delight of your significant other. Your milk ducts are growing!
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They'll get vein-ey
All that increased blood flow has to come from somewhere! You might notice your chest now looks more like a road map.
They might get... lumpy
As your milk ducts form, it's not uncommon to develop sore, hard, or red bumps that are clogged ducts. Break out the warm compresses and massage gently to break up the clog and hopefully it goes away in a couple of days. But if you begin feeling unwell, go see your doctor - it could be infected.
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And bumpy
Your areola (the skin around your nipple) might sprout some interesting new growths on it's surface, giving it a more pebbly texture. These are oil glands that will help keep your nipples and areola from cracking and drying out during pregnancy changes and breastfeeding, and they're called Montgomery's tubercles.
They'll be sensitive
This could be the best thing for your sex life ever, or it could make even wearing a bra too intense.
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They'll Leak
Colostrum before birth isn't uncommon, so don't be surprised if you drip a little bit. Buy your nursing pads early!
They might get hairy!
While fine hairs around the areola aren't uncommon, one of the downsides of our new hormones might mean suddenly they're a lot more... well... hairy than they were before. They might even sprout thick dark hairs. Don't pluck! You don't want an infected or ingrown hair around there. Break out the old razor and give them a careful trim near the surface.
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You might get stretch marks
The downside of rapid growth: we expect them on our bellies, but not on our breasts. Fortunately, stretch marks fade there the same as everywhere else. Stay hydrated.
You got this, mama!
Anne is one of those people who usually speaks to others in memes, pop culture references, and SAT words. On those occasions she can be understood at all, she likes to entertain others with a sense of humour usually described by friends as “hilarious—once you get to know her.”